Opinion: Bale or Coutinho – Which would be a better signing for Spurs this summer

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to shake up their squad this summer under new head coach Jose Mourinho, a man who is used to working with big names.

So, can Daniel Levy pull off one of the deals of the window and lure either Gareth Bale or Philippe Coutinho to Hotspur Way?

Spurs were linked with a sensational loan deal attempt for Gareth Bale this week, while Philipe Coutinho has been a reported target for some time now (Daily Mail).

Let us first of all point out that both of these deals are very unlikely, although they would take Tottenham to the next level in terms of their trophy ambitions next season.

For the sake of this argument, let us say that each of them would be joining on loan and Tottenham would be covering £200k-per-week of their wages.

Which would be the better signing?

Philippe Coutinho has age on his side and has been playing somewhat regular football for Bayern Munich this season in the Bundesliga.

Gareth Bale is now 31 and has been frozen out of the Real Madrid squad for the majority of this campaign, to the point that he missed the matchday squad entirely against Man City.

Both players have had their injury problems throughout their careers, although have always seemed to bounce back from such issues.

Therefore, it comes down to what Tottenham need most.

I believe that Jose Mourinho will be looking to adopt a 4-3-3 formation for the majority of next season, meaning that wingers and central midfielders will be key.

Bale is more of an out-and-out winger, while Coutinho has played a lot on the left-wing and can drop deep into a central midfield role. However, having said that, I believe the Brazilian is best in a central attacking role.

In terms of what Tottenham are missing, Coutinho would fit the Eriksen replacement bill. However, in terms of what I think Mourinho will use next year, I would tip Bale as the best signing.

He can play up front, on either wing, or as a number 10, meaning Jose could utilise him all over the pitch. Not only that, but the Spurs fans need a morale boost at the moment and the return of the prodigal son would provide that and more.

Will it happen? Almost definitely not. But we can dream.

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